Leadership Tips & Training What’s Hot in First Place Leadership?!

On a hot and humid summer day in Houston I sit in my windowless office feverishly pecking on my computer keyboard. I am trying to keep up with the emails received from leaders all across this country. Then, it happens . . . the inevitable . . . it is another deadline . . . my newsletter article is due!

Perfect. The topic this month is HOT TOPICS! As I glance through the emails received from precious leaders I see a pattern. There are some hot leadership topics that First Place leaders want to discuss over and over again. To save my fingers from overheating, I have decided to address some of these topics in this article– killing two birds with one stone, so to speak.

Let’s look at the top three concerns or questions that leaders seem to have as they lead their First Place groups.

#1 - How To Start A First Place Class
This answer is found on our website, as is many of the questions that leaders may have. However, here are the basic steps:

• Step 1: Identify a church and leader to sponsor the groups and obtain permission to start a group.
• Step 2: Purchase the First Place Group Starter Kit. It is recommended that the church purchase this.
• Step 3: Have each member purchase a First Place Member Kit and Bible Study. Most groups start with Giving Christ First Place.
• Step 4: Determine if additional fees are required. You may need funds to pay for a reliable scale and to help those members who cannot afford to pay for their materials.

#2 - How to Receive Training or Support as a Leader
Leadership training is definitely a hot First Place leadership topic and one that many leaders inquire about often. Training is not required to lead a First Place class. However, it is certainly beneficial to receive instruction and guidance from those who have “been there and done that.” Leaders often voice frustration and discouragement when they feel they are the “Lone Ranger” as the only First Place leader they know. This is when my palms get sweaty as I type words of encouragement to these lonely leaders. I wish I could reach through the monitor, give them each a hug and tell them that they are not alone. Leader training is available through workshops, conferences, leadership summits, and focus weeks. However, many leaders cannot attend these events, because they are held in locations far from their homes. This is where I make my plea: “If your church has an active First Place group and would be willing to host a workshop, please contact Nancy Taylor at ntaylor@firstplace.org and find out how you can be involved in encouraging and training First Place leaders.” Leaders need encouragement and support along with the training. Attending an Area Leader Meetings will provide leaders a support group, who will pray and give encouragement where needed. Networking leaders coordinate these meetings. Networking leaders are listed on the leader section of our website. There are some states that do not have networking leaders. Any leader who feels called to reach out and support other leaders may contact Nancy Taylor for more information on becoming a Networking Leader.

#3 – How to Motivate First Place Members to Keep their Commitments
This is the hottest topic of all! If I truly had THE answer to this one, I would probably be a millionaire. Motivation comes from within and if a leader is to motivate a member, he or she must figure out what is going on in the hearts and minds of their members. Since God is the only One who knows the hearts and minds of an individual, it makes sense that a leader must communicate with the All Knowing One on a regular basis. Prayer is the key to motivating the members in a First Place class. Here are some helpful tips to help leaders motivate their members through prayer:

• Pray for members using the First Place scripture memory verses each week.
• Pray for members daily concerning their prayer requests.
• Pray that God would give each member a teachable heart. It is only those who accept instruction who will truly be motivated to commit to lifestyle changes.
• Pray that God would give you a passion for His Word and for the ministry He has called you to lead.

This past spring I committed to keeping every commitment of First Place. I was taking a break from leading a class and was not in a class. However, I have remained motivated for over three months, resulting in a 14-pound weight loss. I share this to prove a point. I was not motivated by anyone specifically, but by the Holy Spirit working in my heart to bring me to the point of obedience to Him. Prayer works! A leader + prayer = A motivated member.

I pray that these hot leadership topics have given leaders some answers, some encouragement and an abundance of hope. Now, let’s go cool off by the pool with a large glass of ice tea and a slice of watermelon!

Lead on,

Nancy Taylor
Leadership Training Director



Nancy Taylor is the First Place Leadership Training Director and joined the First Place staff in 1997. Nancy teaches leadership principles to First Place Leaders throughout the country and at Houston's First Baptist Church where she coordinates all the First Place groups. Nancy also speaks at First Place workshops, rallies, retreats, and conferences, where she delights her audiences with humor and encourages them with boldness. She writes a monthly article, which includes helpful tips for leaders, for the First Place E-newsletter, and was a contributing writer to the Today is the First Day devotional book. Nancy is the resident First Place Bible Concordance because of her love for Scripture memory.